1976 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 880 kg more than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chevrolet Caprice | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
